KIND WORDS
Over the years I have had the privilege of working with some incredible families. This is what some of them have said about our experience.
“There aren’t words to adequately express what Katharine means to me and my family. The moment I found out I was pregnant again the only thing I was sure of was that I wanted her to be my doula. This pregnancy was full of twists and turns. Before getting pregnant I had my heart set on a home birth. When we discovered I was carrying TWINS we continued with our OB, same as with our first child. About halfway through the pregnancy I decided home was where I needed to be. Katharine was always supportive and without judgement for both my husband and I during those seemingly tumultuous, anxiety ridden days and weeks when we were getting our team together and during the pregnancy as a whole.
On the day, Katharine was my rock, my anchor. She was calm, intuitive, strong. She doesn’t just show up. She SHOWS UP. Fully present. She knew what I needed without me asking and before I knew. I never felt more seen, loved, and empowered. She held space for me to birth my babies the way I needed. She has a true calling and passion for what she does. Katharine is a gift to those she serves and will always hold a special place in our family.”
“My husband and I adore Katharine – she is a true gem, and we feel so blessed we were able to work with her. As we were interviewing doulas, Katharine certainly stood out – she was confident but humble, gentle but strong, calm but proactive, knowledgeable but open, and I knew she would be a great fit for our family. Throughout my pregnancy she was thoughtful, responsive and encouraging, texting me before and after doctor appointments, sending me books/articles to read, and providing endless emotional support as I marched on towards my due date and another two weeks after it! I think it says a lot about Katharine that my birth experience was literally the opposite of my birth preference list, but I still have very positive memories of it from start to finish. Katharine made us feel empowered to make the right choices for our family along the way, she steadied our stressful, and at times chaotic labor/delivery, and she was incredibly respectful of and collaborative with our doctor. I truly cannot imagine our son’s birth without her!
Finally, I will say that my husband was originally neutral about having a doula – however, as we lived and then later retold our birth story to family and friends, one of the first things my husband mentioned is how much of a positive impact Katharine had on our experience, and how much he underestimated what a doula could provide for both of us. I’m quite sure he would not have said the same thing about just anyone – Katharine is very special!”
“As two young people who had never experienced a pregnancy or birth before, we knew we wanted some support for the arrival of our first child. At first we were not even sure that meant a doula, or that we needed one. We had many interviews with potential people. But after meeting Katharine, we knew we found a unique and open person who would listen to our desires and concerns for this intense and special moment in our lives. Her energy and approach set her apart from everyone else we spoke with and it felt like the missing link we’d been waiting for.
She was endlessly available for questions and information in the months before the labor began, and a warm and knowledgeable presence when the show finally started. She seems capable to work within a variety of social styles and familial situations, and also birthing circumstances: she’s done home as well as hospital — and encourages whatever level of medical intervention you feel comfortable with.
She was the only person we interviewed who came to the practice without any preconceived notions, ego or judgement. And on a smaller note, her aromatherapy and body work during labor eased some tension in ways I wasn’t even expecting. Would highly recommend her as part of your birthing team!
Finally, I will say that my husband was originally neutral about having a doula – however, as we lived and then later retold our birth story to family and friends, one of the first things my husband mentioned is how much of a positive impact Katharine had on our experience, and how much he underestimated what a doula could provide for both of us. I’m quite sure he would not have said the same thing about just anyone – Katharine is very special!”
“Katharine was an absolute pleasure to work with as my birth doula. She’s extremely knowledgeable at every point in the process. It felt good running questions by her during my labor and having her by my side. Her whole focus was helping put our minds at ease and being a fantastic support in the room. But what makes her so good at what she does is her personality and energy. She’s a warm, patient and kind person through and through. She’s extremely calming to be around – and that’s priceless. Both my husband and I enjoyed our pre-birth meetings with her because she’s such a wonderful fun person to be around. I didn’t know her before I hired her as my doula, but now I consider her a friend. I highly recommend Katharine”
“We love Katharine like a member of our family. Having her at our birth was 1 of the best decisions we ever made. K was with us in labor 2 separate times for the same birth. She was incredible throughout the turn of events. After reporting excessive itchiness at 37wks, my midwives suspected I had Cholestasis. We had to proceed with an immediate induction. I had been preparing for an unmedicated birth. K helped us navigate the physical & emotional complexities of our situation. The cervical exams were excruciating. I became consumed w/ self-doubt. How was I going to be able to do this w/o an epidural if I can’t even handle a cervical check? I felt defeated, my confidence in my body was shot. I was an emotional wreck it hadn’t even been 24 hrs. K met us at the hospital to help us settle in. She diffused EO’s, she massaged my feet & stayed until bed. She was there for me when my self confidence disappeared. Her touch was firm yet comforting. I really needed her there and she was. She already knew the midwives and L&D nurses. She anticipated everything before it happened. K helped me refocus & accept my new reality. On the 3rd day the next steps were: epidural+foley+pitocin. Right before the epi, blood work came back negative. We’re told we could go home. “There’s no way I’m leaving w/o baby” I thought. K helped us make an informed decision based on science & not emotions. We went home. If we kept going my baby would have likely been born via emergency C.
My water broke 3 wks later & baby was born vaginally. K is incredible in every way. She taught me there is no right or wrong way to birth. The right way is whatever the right choice is for your individual self. It’s about achieving your best birth, may that be w/ or w/o an epidural, home or hospital, or anything between. Your doula should embrace your choices and help you achieve the best version of it. The right birth is an empowered birth. That’s exactly what Katharine did for us.”
“Katharine was our doula when our son was born in September 2009. We met with her a few months earlier and didn’t even need to meet with anyone else; we knew right away she was the perfect match for us. Katharine was supportive, encouraging and calm throughout the entire labor and delivery and helped put my husband and I at ease. We planned for an unmedicated, natural delivery but after a 24-hour induction, my doctor felt a c-section would be best. Katharine offered to accompany us in the operating room and stayed until we were settled into a room, going above and beyond anything we could have expected. We’ve remained in touch over the years and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a doula.”
“We feel so blessed to have found Katharine for the birth of our son and third baby. She is warm, loving, understanding, non-judgemental and incredibly helpful on all things birth related but also a wonderful sounding board for all things mother and life related. She provided consistent support through the course of my pregnancy via meet-ups, texts and emails. We found her to be incredibly responsive and willing to give of her time, energy and advice. Her knowledge of the hospital (Cedars) and experience working alongside our OB and the staff at Cedars speaks to her ability to work harmoniously with everyone and makes for a calm and warm atmosphere. She was attentive and caring through the hours of labor, came prepped with oils and strong hands for squeezing! I truly feel that my birth was significantly better and more positive with her involved, and frankly would have more babies just to have her around! We value her service as a doula but also consider a friend and part of our family as she helped us usher in our baby boy. Thank you, Katharine!!”
“I was looking for a Doula here in Los Angeles (my son was born in NYC with a doula there) and frankly was having trouble finding someone who I connected with. I spoke to a few on the phone and while very lovely and professional they didn’t have the spark, the joy, the depth that I was hoping for. Then someone suggested I call Katharine Deeb. I spoke to her on the phone and fell in love. Her warmth, her depth came right through the phone. And then we met and my search was over. We had our doula!
Her ability to listen and distill your needs down into its essence and then apply that to your journey as a pregnant woman (and couple) is remarkable. She just “gets it”. My husband and I are pretty irreverent about things. It is definitely a way that we handle experiences of high emotion like pregnancy and childbirth. Jokes. Stories. Humor. And Katharine’s laugh is quick and bright and infectious. She understood that our humor worked us through some of the challenges of our natural/drug free (and very LONG!) birth. She also was there, right with me when I had to dig deep to use my “inner warrior” (as she called it). She can roll with it and be RIGHT THERE with you when you most need it. And did I EVER need her. She brought essential oils, and back rubs, and affirmations, and laughs, and advice, and sympathy and cool washcloths and quick little bites of food and perfectly timed quiet words with her. She worked alongside my little team (my amazing doc at Cedars Sinai, my nurses and my husband and Mom) to find her perfect role in the journey.
I have fleeting moments that come into my mind all the time of my magical, challenging, transformative birth…and she is always a part of those snapshots in my mind with her GORGEOUS smile and warm words of wisdom, helping me bring our little girl into the world. And that for me is so important. That your doula seems like she was always MEANT to be there. I highly and wholeheartedly recommend Katharine Deeb”
“Some pregnancies and childbirths are easy and uncomplicated. I won’t beat around the bush: mine were neither of these. However, thanks to Katharine’s calm, steady, reassuring presence and support I was able to face the challenges gracefully that led me to my greatest joy, my daughter. My husband and I really don’t know what we would have done without Katharine by our side throughout the process. She was there during my pregnancy complications, always grounded and unflappable; she was there during a complicated and traumatic birth, remaining calm and miraculously finding ways to keep me comfortable through the pain; and she was there after to help me process my feelings and get my bearings as a new Mom. She is the kind of doula you want by your side–prepared for any and everything, always steady. Thank you, Katharine”
“Katharine is the absolute greatest doula (and person!!) that you could ever work with. I have been so lucky to have her by my side for both of my pregnancies and births (I literally could not give birth without her – I flew her to LA from FL just because I knew there was no one else I could do it with!). Katharine is kind, compassionate, strong, and everything else you could need in a doula. She is incredibly smart, up to date on all of the latest evidence based practices, and open to anything. She provides equal amounts of comfort and strength and easily moves between the two.
I could not recommend Katharine enough. I would honestly keep having children just so I could keep her in my life!! (she’s also the coolest person I have ever met, in the most unassuming way).
Whatever you think having a doula means, Katharine is it (along with 100 other amazing things you could have never even thought about). Having Katharine as part of your birth team and life is the greatest decision you can make.”
“Katharine was beyond fantastic. My wife immediately was able to relax and felt comfortable as soon as she arrived for the birth Katharine was very prompt in responding to calls and text messages throughout the pregnancy. She made an already awesome experience better. Katharine’s knowledge and energy was priceless during my wife’s birthing journey. I highly recommend husbands speak with her and use her services, your wife will thank you later”
“As a first-time mom, I wasn’t even sure if I needed a doula. I met with several but never quite found the right fit, so I gave up the search—until someone referred me to Katherine. We met for coffee, and I instantly knew she was different. Her energy is infectious, warm, and deeply compassionate. She has this mothering spirit and wisdom that makes you feel so safe and seen.
Throughout my pregnancy, I had a million questions, and she was always there—reassuring me, guiding me, and offering unwavering support. Towards the end, I faced a major provider change and a series of stressful, unexpected challenges with my midwife. Katherine truly stepped up for me. She wasn’t just a support; she became my advocate. When my providers failed me, she stood by my side, made sure I felt heard, and helped me figure out a Plan B. In such a vulnerable time, when I felt abandoned by the people who were supposed to care for me, she showed up. And through it all, I never once doubted that she would.
During labor, her presence was exactly what I needed—calming, steady, and intuitive. Her motherly touch brought me so much comfort. Even postpartum, she continued to check in on me, and to this day, she’s someone I still reach out to. Katherine isn’t just a doula; she became a part of my story, my life, and my healing. My birth didn’t go as planned, but through it, I gained a friend—and, in many ways, I healed a mother wound. She showed me that women can show up for each other in the most profound ways.
Katherine is truly the best of the best. I would have her at every single one of my births, without question. I will forever be grateful for her.”
“I first gave birth eight years ago. My birth was lonely. Uncertain. Blurry. Not my own. Once I found out I was going to be a 2nd time mother I immediately knew I wanted a different experience. My search for a doula led me to Katharine Deeb. I remember that something about her face felt relatable to me, and my intuition told me she was my right fit. When she walked in to my home I was struck by her strength of presence. She exudes a warmth and a calmness that made me feel as though I was sitting beside an old friend. Throughout my pregnancy I was able to lean on her for anything and everything. She was always quick to respond to me, and gave me support in all areas. She has walked beside me in two deliveries now.
Although my births were swift and uncomplicated, I would not have felt as comfortable, in control, at peace, and confident about my deliveries without Katharine beside me. It’s difficult to find the words to describe a love and respect as deep as I feel for what Katharine provided me during that time. I can only describe them as safe, beautiful, and empowering moments in my life.
Forever thankful for her energy and love as I welcomed my daughters into the world.”